The next day, Eren was the first to wake, stretching his arms over his head as he glanced at George, who appeared far better than he had the night before.
Annette sat beside him, her hands folded in her lap, though her gaze seemed distant. She had been quiet all morning, her expression thoughtful. Eren approached her, his brow furrowing.
"You didn't sleep, did you?" he asked, his voice low to avoid waking the others.
Annette shook her head, offering him a faint smile. "Couldn't. Too much on my mind."
Rubbing the back of his neck, he asked. "Where's Phoenix?"
Annette tilted her head toward the door. "She hasn't come back inside."
Outside, Phoenix stood beneath the pale sky, her eyes fixed on the horizon where the ruins of the mansion loomed faintly in the distance. The figurine rested in her palm, its intricate carvings catching the light.
She traced her thumb over the tiny bird, her chest heavy with an inexplicable ache.
